tracked leaders, headway over 4f out, led well over 1f out, ridden and edged right approaching final furlong, held on
held up, headway 3f out, chasing winner and every chance when rider lost whip over 1f out, kept on, just denied
soon led, ridden when headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
with leader early, weakened over 3f out
prominent and keen, headway 3f out, chased leaders over 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong
always in rear
Finished Article gets a narrow vote over Keshya and Atlantic Gamble, with Zaffeu also to be considered. Finished Article produced a sterling performance at Wolverhampton eight days ago, getting up to beat Bethanys Boy despite being rated somewhat inferior to that rival. As that last race was a claimer, Paul Blockley's charge should in theory face an easier task in this company, and with Neil Callan on board, he is taken to follow up over this longer trip. Keshya has taken on better company in the past, including when a close second in a handicap here last February. She has slipped down the weights and has to be considered along with Atlantic Gamble who opened his account in a 12-furlong handicap here just four days ago. Zaffeu has won round here in the past as well, and with Peter Hiatt's small string in good form, a big run from Isa'af would not be a surprise. For the winner though we return to Finished Article.
Finished Article (IRE) 13-2 (8-13) Tracked leader, led over 1f out, hung right, eased last strides, won at W'hampton 1m 4f clm (6) pol beating Bethanys Boy (9-4) by a hd, 6 ran.
Zaffeu 4-1 (9-3) Held up in rear, stayed on inside final furlong, nearest finish, 4th of 8, 2 1/2l behind Tiegs (8-12) at Southwell 1m 4f sll (6) fbs.
Isa'af (IRE) 12-1 (9-2) Tracked leaders, shaken up over 5f out, soon lost place, 6th of 8, 20l behind Tioga Gold (8-10) at Southwell 1m 6f hcp 0-65 (6) fbs.
Point of Origin (IRE) 7-1 (9-2) Chased leaders in 7th, 6th 4f out, ridden and kept on one paced from 3f out, 8th of 12, 41l behind Quest For Peace (9-2) at Tipperary 1m 4f mdn stk gf in Jul '00.
Keshya 8-1 (9-3) Tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong, 5th of 12, 4 1/2l behind Qaasi (9-2) at W'hampton 1m 4f hcap (6) pol in Nov.
Ryhope Chief (IRE) 33-1 (8-10) Held up rear, ridden over 3f out, no impression on leaders, 10th of 11, 14l behind Bob's Your Uncle (8-12) at Windsor 1m 2f 3yo clm (5) gd in Apr.
Atlantic Gamble (IRE) 4-1 (8-8) In touch, effort and not much room over 2f out, led over 1f out, ran on, won at W'hampton 1m 4f hcp 0-50 (6) pol beating Bill Bennett (8-8) by 3/4l, 9 ran.
Hathaal (IRE) 40-1 (9-13) Soon led, headed after 4f, ridden and weakened over 3f out, 8th of 10, 12l behind Mister Completely (8-11) at Kempton 2m hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
